HB3669 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB096 04018 AJT 14056 b

96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2009 and 2010
HB3669

Introduced 2/24/2009, by Rep. Elaine Nekritz

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

625 ILCS 5/12-614 new

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that if any portion of a motor vehicle hitch containing a ball mount and hitch receiver extends more than 4 inches beyond the motor vehicle's rear bumper, then the ball mount must be removed from the hitch receiver when the motor vehicle is not being used for towing. Provides that if any portion of a motor vehicle hitch extends more than 4 inches beyond the rear bumper of the motor vehicle and the hitch is composed of a single assembly that cannot be easily removed from the vehicle, then the ball of the hitch must be covered with a red cover. Defines "ball mount", "hitch receiver", and "motor vehicle hitch".

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning transportation.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Illinois Vehicle Code is amended by adding Section 12-614 as follows:

(625 ILCS 5/12-614 new)

Sec. 12-614. Motor vehicle hitches.

(a) As used in this Section,

"Ball mount" means the portion of a two-part motor vehicle hitch that slides into the recessed portion of a hitch receiver and that contains the connecting ball.

"Hitch receiver" means the portion of any two-part motor vehicle hitch that is secured to the frame or undercarriage of a motor vehicle.

"Motor vehicle hitch" means a one or two-part assembly that is attached to a motor vehicle for the purpose of towing a trailer behind the motor vehicle.

(b) If any portion of a motor vehicle hitch extends 4 inches or more beyond the motor vehicle's rear bumper, then the ball mount must be removed from the hitch receiver when the motor vehicle is not being used for towing. If any portion of a motor vehicle hitch extends 4 inches or more beyond the rear bumper of the motor vehicle and the hitch is composed of a single assembly that cannot be easily removed from the motor vehicle, then the ball of the hitch must be covered with a bright red or orange cover that would alert drivers of other motor vehicles to the presence of the motor vehicle hitch.